Raspberry Ranch Water

Ranch Water is one of those simple cocktails that shouldn’t really be futzed with too much. This light and refreshing drink can easily be overpowered if you add a lot of intense flavors to the cocktail, which is why I’m keeping it simple by adding just a little homemade raspberry syrup. 

A classic Texas Ranch Water Cocktail consists of just three ingredients: Tequila, lime juice, and Topo Chico mineral water. But truth be told I couldn’t help but try and make a variation on a drink I loved, and it turns out that a little splash of homemade raspberry syrup makes this cocktail taste like summer in a glass.

It’s also worth noting to use fresh lime juice when you’re making a batch. It’s just not the same with pre-bottled lime juice.

You can easily turn this drink into a mocktail too! Just mix the syrup with a little fresh lime and Topo Chico for an equally refreshing sipper!

How to Make Fresh Raspberry Syrup

Add the fresh berries, water, sugar, and lemon juice to a medium pot and bring it to a simmer over medium-low heat. The sugar will dissolve quickly and then as it cooks, use a spoon to mash the berries. They will break down and give the syrup an incredible, red color.

If you can’t find good fresh raspberries, you can use frozen fruit for this syrup. It might have slightly less flavor and less of a red color but will definitely work in a syrup like this.

Make sure to strain the raspberries out of the syrup using a fine mesh sieve to get rid of the seeds and you’ll be left with a beautiful, smooth syrup.

Store this syrup in the fridge for up to two weeks or you can divide it into ice cube trays and freeze for later use.

Quick Cooling Hack: If you made this and want to use the syrup immediately, pour the hot syrup into a metal mixing bowl and stick that mixing bowl on top of a larger bowl filled with ice water. The ice water in the surrounding bowl will rapidly cool the syrup and you can use it immediately.

Is Topo Chico Required for Ranch Water?

Are you asking if the city of Austin will ban you permanently if you use some other sparkling brand? Probably not.

Topo Chico is the standard because it is highly carbonated and will give your cocktail more fizz than other sparkling water brands. While it’s not essential, you should at least try it with the original mixer before switching it up.

Making Big Batches of Ranch Water

I originally wanted to make this cocktail as a pitcher drink, but it doesn’t really work because the Topo Chico loses its fizz if it sits in a pitcher for too long.

If you wanted to make larger batches of this cocktail, you can batch the syrup and tequila together in jars per the ratio in the recipe and then just pour it over ice and add Topo Chico when the time comes!

Substitutions and Variations

If you’re looking to make a variation on the syrup you can use any berry or even watermelon. Adding other liquors is fine, but not necessary in my opinion. I think simple is best with this one.

More Tasty Cocktails Made with Tequila

• Classic Margarita
• Blueberry Pitcher Margaritas
• Long Island Iced Tea
• Classic Paloma Cocktail
• Ranch Water Cocktail